Hey guys!
That was by far the best day of my life, but I am so glad it's over! :-)
Congrats to all of you LA brides!!
I am so not a person that is on top of things, like my T-Y notes or posting a photo album of our Honeymoon on Snapfish for my family, but I really wanted to give you all some feedback on my things I experienced so maybe it will help you.
I am so Glad I:
** Had a Videographer..Video Reflections!!!
It's not a given like a photographer is, but think about it, video not
only captures pictures, but sounds and moments too. I am SOOOO
happy that I had Video Reflections Studio document the day. They
were there from beginning to end and I never even noticed them
except for when they pulled me to the side to say a few words
to my husband on camera. I got married at the end of Nov. and I
just got my video back, (just in time for Valentine's day) and I am
SO happy that we have something like that to be able to look back
at and re-live our wedding day for the rest of our lives.
I thought having it Video-ed would be kind of expensive, but Video
Reflections has a package starting at $600! That's like the cost of
one session of pictures!!! Having it done professionally was so
worth it . There were so many moments that I missed or was
completely oblivious too, I am so glad they were there to capture
it. They have a clip of my wedding on their website.
www.videoreflectionsstudio.com/
** Hired X-Pert DJ Services
They were amazing! The music was perfect...they played exactly what
I would if I had my Ipod. I loved the idea of having a band, but we love
so many different genre's of music, I figured a DJ was the best value.
They also did all of the lighting at my wedding and if you've ever been
to the State Museum downtown then you what a task that had to be.
They were complete professionals and they helped make my wedding
everything I wanted!
www.xpertdj.com/">http://www.xpertdj.com/
**Hired Bray Danielle Photography
Danielle and her staff were amazing. They were so nice. so professional and extremely talented!!! Their pictures speak for themselves!!
www.braydanielle.com/">http://www.braydanielle.com/
**Had a Chocolate Fountain
I know right?! Alot of reception halls or caterers have their own, but we decided to hire one because I am a Choco-holic! I will eat anything if it's covered in chocolate. I am so glad we hired Addicted to Chocolate!! The owner, Vicki Christ had this big beautiful table set up with the fountain, fruits, cookies...all kinds of things. Her and her assistant were dressed in these cute little aprons and helped serve everyone. It was just one of those little details that everyone loved!
www.cocoaaddict.com/page/page/1519872.htm">http://www.cocoaaddict.com/page/page/1519872.htm
**Decided to have the wedding at the Louisiana State Museum
It was such a beautiful back drop. The coordinator there, Ashley was amazing. She is very good at what she does and went out of her way to help us out.
Since we are both from LA but live in TN, it gave all of our TN friends that have never been down to LA a chance to see a little of what Louisiana is all about. They opened the exhibits so the guests could walk through while they were waiting on us to finish with pictures. It was very different and everyone seemed to love it. I don't think they have a good website yet, but they have a vendor page with pictures on www.theweddingmarket.com/">http://www.theweddingmarket.com/
**Hired Sweet Impressions to do our cakes
Carl and Stephanie are very sweet and great to work with. Their talent speaks for itself.
www.sweetimpressionscakes.com/">http://www.sweetimpressionscakes.com/
(It is all made of sugar and edible!!)
**Had a Day of Wedding Coordinator
I don't know what we would have done with out our wedding coordinators! The money is definitely worth it to have a professional there who knows how things are supposed to go and to do all of the things that otherwise your mom would probably be running around crazy trying to do.
Tasha Wooders, LaSonja Brooks and Jordan Hebert were life savers!!
I am not sure how to get in touch with them, as my mom handled that part, but I am pretty sure their info. is on www.theweddingmarket.com/">http://www.theweddingmarket.com/ as well.
Other Recommendations:
Bayou Bistro (the food was excellent!!!)
Bridal Boutique
Miller's Formalwear & Limo Service
The Capital Hilton Hotel
The Sheraton Atrium Hotel
Could have done with out:
*** Bloom Inc. Florist!!!!!! I hate to have to do this because as you can see, I love giving credit to good vendors that deserve it, but this company does not.
In their defense, I know a bride that had a good experience with them, but I definitely can not say the same. I can also say, what I did like were my bridesmaids bouquets, but that is because they were actually what I asked for unlike most everything else!
One or two mistakes or mishaps is understandable and even expected, but there were way too many to let slide. Bottom line, they were late. They were supposed to be there no later than 1pm to set up because pictures were to start at 3pm and by 2:55, they still were not there and one of the coordinators had to call them!!
I asked for 17 Purple CallaLilly & Peacock feather Boutinners and they showed up with 5. Finishing them there is fine with me as long as they get done in time for the wedding. They ended up taking WHITE flower petals from I don't even know what type of flower and literally rolling the petal to make it look like a CallaLilly. Then wrapped a big ribbon around the rolled petal and feather. It looked awful!! Not to mention, they were trying to get them finished as the guys were walking down the isle.
During the wedding, other than the awful Crystal Tree, I actually noticed how bad those looked!
The crystal tree is another story.
This is the exact picture that I sent them.
This is what I got.... (the PVC pipe thing on the left!!!)
I mean really?!
It's not an issue of just not liking their style, it's about them not holding up their end of the bargain. Not following through on what the contract stated.
Imagine the way you want your ceremony and reception decorated and hiring someone to do that and they day of the wedding they show up (late) and do not do even half of the things you asked for! As much as I don't want to say it, I did not get the ambiance that I was hoping for at the wedding.
As a vendor, if you can not do what I am asking for, I totally understand, but at least have the respect to be honest with me and tell me that BEFORE HAND. It's just wrong!
Like I said, I know a bride that was happy with their work and did not have any issues with them, but I can not say the same.
Ok, I am done letting myself think about all of that!!
Always keep copies of your contracts with vendors and try to communicate with them by email as well as in person and by phone so you have copies of everything!!
Just Remember..
When I got stressed, I really just tried to remind myself that this is the only time in my life that I will ever get to be a "bride" and engaged. You will never get to go back to this time in your life. Enjoy every minute of it!!! ;-)
I hope this helps and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to message me!
Good luck and happy planning!